Water Activities

Surfing & Watersports

Surfing near Tofino (Canadian Tourism Commission photo)

Surfing in British Columbia takes place on the west coast of Vancouver Island and Haida Gwaii/Queen Charlotte Islands in Northern BC.

British Columbia has earned international acclaim as a top surfing destination. Tofino on Vancouver Island was named “Best Surf Town in North America” by Outside Magazine (2010), was host of the O’Neill Cold Water Classic (2009, 2010), and has been praised in publications such as Surfer Magazine and SBC Surf.

Discover popular surf spots (many in pristine parks) near Tofino and Ucluelet on Vancouver Island and Masset on Haida Gwaii. Surf shops offer rentals and provide instruction for all ages and levels of expertise.

BC surf spots may not boast tropical climates, but wetsuits take the chill out of cold water surfing. Rugged wilderness and great amenities (such as local food and oceanside accommodation) make British Columbia a one-of-a-kind surf destination.

Learn more about surfing in BC's regions:

Northern British Columbia: A few isolated beaches, great winter swells and a burgeoning surf community on Haida Gwaii/Queen Charlotte Islands.

Popular British Columbia Surf Spots

On Vancouver Island, Tofino’s popular Chesterman Beach, Cox Bay and Long Beach beckon all levels of surfers, while Tahsis in Nootka Sound appeals to seasoned pros looking for challenging waves. Jordan River and Sombrio Beach are easy day trips from Victoria and Sooke. On Haida Gwaii, North Beach in Massett boasts good wave action in winter.

Cold Water Surfing in British Columbia

Ocean temperatures range from 3–8°C/37–46°F during winter months to 12–16°C/54–60°F in summer. A wetsuit is essential year-round and many surfers also wear booties, gloves and/or a hood. Rentals are available at local surf shops.

On Vancouver Island, winters bring big swells for experienced surfers (and storm watchers), while summer months mean beginner-friendly surf and sunnier skies. On Haida Gwaii, the prime season is from October to May, with surfable waves on the odd day in summer.

Surf Shops, Schools and Lessons

The largest concentration of surf shops/schools are near Tofino and Ucluelet on Vancouver Island; Masset has one surf shop serving the entire island. Lessons cover safety, surfing etiquette and basic techniques, and range from hourly lessons to day camps and week-long surf excursions. Don’t have gear? Wetsuits, boards and some clothing can be rented with or without lessons.

Surfing Events

Locals have long known about British Columbia's surfing, and now the world does too. In 2009 and 2010, Tofino hosted the O'Neill Cold Water Classic, an international surfing competition that attracted hundreds of pro surfers.

Annual regional surfing events, such as the Rip Curl Stew (June), and local festivals celebrate BC's great surfing destinations too.

Practical Points

Both Vancouver Island and Haida Gwaii have mostly sandy beaches, but be aware of rocky outcroppings and riptides.

Check with local surf shops for surf and road conditions, and visit local Visitor Centres for help with accommodation, transportation and trip planning.